AMPLIFY DOT, 30 April 2013

Dotty’s Guide to Ink

So you’re thinking of getting a tattoo. We’ve all been there. I’ve been there 12 times and counting. But a tattoo isn’t something to rush into, type ‘drunk tattoo’ into a Google image search and thank your lucky stars that those aren’t your mates. The thing is, a lot of people like the idea of tattoos but forget that a tattoo is for life not just for drunken holidays in Malia. So before you go under the needle make sure you check out my guide to ink..

1. Tattoos are Art

Tattoos are art so think of each tattoo as a painting for your wall.. except the wall is your skin and you can’t ever take the painting down. So don’t go to a tattoo shop on a whim and flick through their samples for inspiration. You’re not picking out starters on a menu. This is much more serious.

Find a good artist and stick with them, remember you get what you pay for so this isn’t the time to shop around for a bargain. You wouldn’t buy your wedding dress in TK Maxx. One of the world’s most celebrated tattoo artists is LA’s Mr Cartoon who has inked everyone from Eminem to Travis Barker. An appointment with him comes with a 3 month waiting list and will set you back $2000 on a deposit alone.

2. No Names

Ask Katie Price.. You’ll regret it. If someone means something to you, find something that represents them or consider getting matching ink. If you end up hating each other at least you got a pretty tattoo out of it instead of a name that will glare at you mockingly every time you look in the mirror.

3. Make it Mean Something

A tattoo isn’t a doodle on your notepad so make sure it means something. Tattoos are like hieroglyphics so try to tell a story through them.

4. Avoid Trends

If there’s a new tattoo trend, don’t jump on the bandwagon. I’ll go out on a whim and guess that at least 85% of tattoo removals relate to the Chinese writing fad of the late 90s. In the noughties it was stars or skulls and it looks like diamonds are up next. Don’t do it. Trends are TEMPORARY, tattoos aren’t.

5. Be daring

When it comes to tattoos, go hard or go home. There’s nothing worse than those sissy tattoos that are smaller than a penny. If in doubt, just get a piercing.